If you are planning to apply for permanent residency in Australia, understanding the Australia PR Points Test in 2026 is essential. Whether you are applying from overseas or currently living in Australia, the points system determines your eligibility and competitiveness for skilled migration visas.
If you're planning to apply for permanent residency in Australia, understanding the Australia PR Points Test in 2026 is essential. Whether you are applying from overseas or currently living in Australia, the points system determines your eligibility and competitiveness for skilled migration visas.
The test helps the government select highly skilled individuals who can contribute to Australia’s workforce and economic growth.
The PR Points Test applies mainly to the following visas:
Each category requires you to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Your EOI score determines your chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA). Let’s break down exactly how the points test works in 2026 and how you can maximise your points for a better chance at securing Australian PR.
The minimum score to lodge an EOI remains 65 points, but the reality is different. Due to competition and Australia’s targeted migration strategy, most successful applicants score:
85+ points for Subclass 189
80+ points for Subclass 190
70–75 points for Subclass 491
Increasing your points improves your invitation chances and shortens wait times.
Age is one of the strongest contributors to your overall score. In 2026, the points allocated for age remain:
Applicants aged between 25–32 receive the highest points.
The better your English proficiency, the more points you earn.
Superior English is a major advantage, helping applicants reach competitive scores even with lower work experience.
Australia rewards experience differently based on whether it is gained within Australia or overseas.
Australian experience scores higher because it demonstrates local adaptability and employment readiness.
Your highest recognised qualification earns you points:
Ensure your qualification is eligible and assessed by the correct assessing authority, such as VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, ACS, AITSL, or others.
You can claim 5 points if you have completed at least two academic years of study in Australia. This applies to VET courses, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral studies.
These 10 bonus points apply if you completed one of the following in Australia:
Master’s by Research in STEM
PhD in STEM, IT, or Engineering fields
These fields continue to be in strong demand under the 2026 migration strategy.
Your partner’s skills may add extra points.
Single applicants have a notable advantage due to simplified processing.
These points apply only to Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas:
190 Visa: +5 points
491 Visa: +15 points
State nomination also increases your chances of receiving an invitation sooner.
You can earn 5 points by completing a Professional Year Program in:
Accounting
IT
Engineering
This option benefits recent graduates seeking to strengthen their EOI score.
Australia’s migration reforms for 2026 include several strategic updates:
Skill shortages in engineering, healthcare, construction, IT, education, and cybersecurity drive priority invitations.
Regional states continue to offer faster processing and higher nomination points.
Higher English proficiency is now essential due to increased competition.
Applicants with skilled partners are more competitive under the 2026 system.
Multiple new STEM, health, and trade roles have been added to support national priorities.
Here’s how you can boost your points strategically:
Aim for Superior English if possible.
Even one more year of employment can increase your total score.
Research occupation lists for NSW, VIC, SA, WA, QLD, TAS, and NT.
Subclass 491 adds a significant 15 points.
Especially effective for international students studying in Australia.
STEM qualifications and trades remain high in demand.
A competitive PR profile may look like:
Age 28 → 30 points
Superior English → 20 points
5 years overseas experience → 10 points
Master’s degree → 15 points
Australian study → 5 points
Partner with Competent English → 5 points
State nomination (190) → 5 points
Total: 90 points — highly competitive for 2026 invitations.
Understanding how the Australia PR Points Test works in 2026 is the key to planning a successful migration strategy. With clear criteria based on age, English skills, experience, qualifications, and state nomination, the points test helps applicants identify exactly where they stand and what they can improve. Whether you're a student, skilled professional, or someone exploring long-term opportunities in Australia, boosting your points can significantly increase your chances of receiving an invitation.
By focusing on improving English scores, gaining relevant work experience, choosing the right visa pathway, and considering state or regional options, you can build a strong, competitive EOI profile. Australia’s migration system continues to evolve, but with the right preparation and understanding of the points structure, achieving permanent residency becomes a realistic and achievable goal.
While the minimum is 65, most applicants need 85–95 points for a realistic chance.
Age, English proficiency, skilled experience, education, and partner skills.
No, but it significantly increases your invitation chances.
Yes. Subclass 491 gives 15 extra points and leads to PR after 3 years on a regional pathway.
Yes. You can update your EOI with new English test results, work experience, or qualifications.
